(DIY) Pi1541 + EPYX FAST LOAD CARTRIDGE for COMMODORE 64
(DIY) Pi1541 + EPYX FAST LOAD CARTRIDGE for COMMODORE 64
RASPBERRY Pi1541 ZERO HAT (C64 DISK DRIVE EMULATOR) and EPYX FAST LOAD CARTRIDGE TOGETHER.
Hello,
This is a tested and working project.
This is an Easy DIY project, all components are through hole, marked on the PCB, Easy to solder, Easy to make ;)
Actually, this PCB is a combination of two independent projects, one of them is Pi1541 (Commodore disk drive emulator) and the other is "Epyx Fast Load" Cartridge. They can be used individually or together.
https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/C64_EPYX_FASTLOAD_CARTRIDGE_1.html
Pi1541 is a real-time, cycle exact, Commodore 1541 disk drive emulator. You can load and save commodore64 programs, D64 .PRG ... extensions games/software from a Micro SD card, it is an alternative to SD2iEC, for more info please look at this link.
A lot of experienced Commodore 1541, SD2iEC, Pi1541 users prefer EPYX FASTLOAD, because of its high compatibility with Commodore hardware and software.
The source page link of Pi1541 PCB drawing is below. (Option A)
https://cbm-pi1541.firebaseapp.com/
Many thanks to Stephen White for Pi1541. You can visit his site and make a donation.
Do not forget: solder 2 x 20 pin female header before OLED display :)
SETTINGS FOR Pi1541 HAT DISPLAY PIN ORDER:
For VCC-GND-SCL-SDA Displays; SHORT VCC + VCC
For GND-VCC-SCL-SDA Displays; SHORT GND + GND
AT THE BACK OF THIS PCB.
** If you want to use Pi1541 HAT unconnected to the C64 expansion port then you need to provide DC +5V 2A power to the (+ -) pins on the PCB.
(DO NOT CONNECT EXTERNAL POWER SOURCE TO THIS CARTRIDGE WHILE IT IS INSERTED TO C64 !)
(Do Not use HDMI output of Raspberry Pi with this Pi1541 HAT)
You can download Binary Eprom Image and user manuals of Epyx Fast Load Cartridge from the bottom of this page.
You can find newer version of this PCB from this link. (Rotary Encoder + Buzzer + ON/OFF Switch for Fastload + Power-Cut jumper for Paspberry Pi added)
Components for RASPBERRY Pi1541 ZERO HAT Part:
Raspberry Pi Zero (Other rasberry Pi models are NOT suitable to work from C64 expansion port)
6 pcs. Right-Angle Tactile Push Button
4 channel. bidirectional logic level converter
6 pin Male DIN Connector
0.96 inch Oled screen
2x20 pin female header
470 ohm 1/4watt RESISTANCE (value changes leds brigtness)
Red LED
Components for Epyx Fast Load Cartridge Part:
27c64 or 27c128 or 27c256 or 27c512 (DIP28)
DIP28 wide IC socket
74LS07
DIP14 IC socket
100nf CAPACITOR
0.47 μF CAPACITOR ( 470 nF )
2.7K 1/4 WATT RESISTANCE
If you have a programmer capable of testing IC chips, such as the 74LS series, you should remember to test them before soldering. Some chips may be defective. (TL866 Minipro Programmer can test some logic ICs)
In order to protect your electronical devices, always turn off your Commodore before connecting or disconnecting the cables or any other device.
** If you want to use Pi1541 not inserted to the C64 cartridge port then you need to provide DC +5V power to the PCB. (DO NOT CONNECT EXTERNAL POWER SOURCE TO THIS PCB WHILE IT IS INSERTED TO COMMODORE 64! )
While transfering data (reading or writing) from SD cards it should not be interrupted like power-off or Reset systems. Otherwise that may damage SD cards.
Gerber files and component list are subject to change without notice. Before paying for the PCBs, be sure to update your orders!
As you can see I have uploaded many projects and I am still working on new projects. If you have any questions, please look for answers online. Unless I specify explicitly, all my projects are tested and confirmed to work under normal circumstances before being shared. I'm sorry I didn't have enough time to answer all the questions.
Use this PCB at your own risk !
Have fun
Thank you.
C64iSTANBUL
(DIY) Pi1541 + EPYX FAST LOAD CARTRIDGE for COMMODORE 64
*PCBWay community is a sharing platform. We are not responsible for any design issues and parameter issues (board thickness, surface finish, etc.) you choose.
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You're welcome.
Hello, Did you solder the jumpers on the back of the PCB according to the display model?
Hi I have the same issue, I solder the jumpers on back My display has GND, VDD, SCK, SDA so I solder both marked as GND. Hope you can help. Thank you!
Hello David Alejandro Gonzalez Priego, Please send me an email to c64istanbul@gmail.com with both front and back photos of your Soldered PCB.
Sure I'll send the photos of the back of the PCB to do a double check, but I think I discover the issue. I Ordered a the PI Zero, but I realized that I have received the PI Zero W, that's might be the issue
There are ready SD card files for pizero and pi zero2 on this page, maybe it can help you. http://www.load64.com/epyx/
Hello, did you solve the problem?
I modified the GERBER files. Yes, from now on you can choose the edge connector for it when ordering the PCB, so 45 degree bevel. Thank you for asking.
Thank you, only problem is I selected edge connector and placed the order just before you changed the Gerber, will this be a problem? Knew I should have waited :)
No, it won't be a problem if you ordered it with the previous Gerbers, I just extended the PCB length by 0.3mm from the edge connector section. Thank you.
Hi, No worries - I managed to cancel and reorder in time, so just waiting for the boards to be made now. Thanks again!
No, this cannot be daisy chained to a real 1541 disk drive. Malfunction may occur due to voltage differences. Thank you for asking.
Hello, I am sorry, I don't understand your question.
Is there a picture or pictures which shows how to make the Cable with the 6 PIN DIN Connector which goes into the IEC of the C64?
https://pcbwayfile.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/project/21/02/08/0742130953540.png
1-2-3-4-5-6 numbers on the PCB should match the connectors numbers.
Ah, ok. That was my question. Sorry for the misunderstanding. I will solder the 1 on the PCB to 1 in the Connector and so on. I hope I understood it now. :-)
2.54mm
Hi mightywiz, I don't have pi zero 2w, I haven't tried it with pi zero 2w. Thanks for asking.
when i create the SD card, the following the instructions nothing happens. the led doesn't flash, telling me it doesnt recognize the image i created. but it will boot the card before any of the 1541 changes are made.
here is the fix for the rasberry Pi zero 2w: Raspberry Pi firmware is updated after the Pi Zero 2 release. https://github.com/raspberrypi...master.zip You need to use the updated bootcode.bin, fixup.dat and start.elf (found in firmware-master\boot) It also needs CPU overclocking.Here is the config.txt kernel_address=0x1f00000 force_turbo=1 arm_freq=1300 over_voltage=4
the fix was not created by me but found on the lemon64.com website
https://www.lemon64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=67978&start=2415
Thank you mightywiz.
the fix was hard to follow so what i did was follow in instructions for the rpi b+ board to setup the sd card. then at that point I modified the config.txt to what was stated on the lemon64 page. then updated the options to match suggetsted settings. last I copied the bootcode.bin, fixup.dat and start.elf from this firmware at this link https://github.com/raspberrypi/firmware/archive/refs/heads/master.zip then it ran. I tried in different orders but this was the only way to make it work. and it's been running flawlessly on my pi zero 2w with no issues.
if anyone needs some help getting it to work shoot me a message at mightywiz@hotmail.com and i'll give you a working folder you can drop to the sd card if you can't get your PI Zero 2w to work.
Thank you mightywiz.
hi, I should also use the rasp pi zero 2w but the link is no longer reachable
Not sure why the Zero 2W needs an overclock, but didnt work properly till I overclocked it to 1150 with over_voltage of 4 and is now fine.
Thank you Martin Damm Laupstad. I am sorry that I can not work on a C128, Because I do not have a C128. C128 is very rare in Turkey. Thank you for asking.
Someone should send you one as a thank you for all your great designs :)
Thank you :)
This is a great design that I like. Where can I get Gerber files? I would like to make a few mods, like adding Rotary Encoder and also if using 27c256 or 27c512, to use the remaining space of those EPROMs with dip switches for other programs. Many Thanks.
Thank you babaroga, I am sorry I do not share downloadable Gerber files.
Please share the Gerber files (not the KICAD or Eagle board/schematic files) to a github site, so that hobbyists can have a choice besides PCBWay, which is WAY too expensive just to make 5 pieces of this board. Total cost is $29 USD for 5 pieces. Come on! Really appreciate your work. You already have put in PCBWay, why not github? Thank you!
Hello, sorry I don't share any Gerber files. 10 pieces PCB = $5 + shipping, total about $17-18 via China Post. Less than 2 USD for a PCB is a reasonable amount. I have tried many PCB companies and PCBWay is a really good company. Thank you.
Hi, I respect your decision, since you design the board. I can get 10 pcs (100mmx100mm or less two sided boards) for $5 at cheaper shipping cost at other PCB manufacturer actually. I feel that PCBWay is way too expensive. It seems that you have a connection with PCBWay. Again, I can understand completely, since it's your design, and hobbyists have no choice but to use PCBWay.
When people order 10 PCBs and pay $5+ shipping, PCBWay pays 50 cents to my account balance (10% of the PCB price excluding shipping) so I can draw and order new PCB prototypes. Thank you for your understanding.
Hi, could you please share the outline of the PCB as an SVG? I am trying to design a case that would fit this project. Thank you.
https://archive.org/download/pi1541FL_outline/pi1541FL_outline.zip
Thanks a lot!
Hi, is Warpspeed just a cartridge? If so, try flashing that ROM instead of the Epyx Fastload and see what it does...
Hello hellraiseruk, The problem is not related to the 7407. Can you please try normal loading with the fastload cartridge turned off? Maybe fastload and the game may not be compatible with each other. Thank you.
Hi, thanks for that - I've upped the overclock slightly to 1150Mhz and set over_voltage to 4, this seems to have resolved the issue as G&G now loads fine, and also the Pi is slightly cooler. So far so good!
Thank you Federico Salis. Ths is a nice case.
♥
or https://www.printables.com/model/646471-pi1541-epyx-fast-load-cartridge-case
See here: https://github.com/pi1541/Pi1541/issues/206#issuecomment-1162708867
Use my 1.23 release with led fix https://github.com/FSMaker77/Pi1541
There is no file to upload for assembly, there is a list of components in the descript_ions, and the mounting locations are marked on the PCBs. The PCBs I draw and share are for DIY. I am sharing them so that amateurs interested in elecronics hobby can make them themselves. Thank you for asking.
Hello Douglas Peterson. Question: Do you use the Raspberry Pi Zero external power plug off it's board? Even when you are plugged into the cartridge expansion port? Answer: No, do not use Raspberry Pi Zero external power plug, the circuit gets all the power it needs from the commodore-64, never connect external power when you are plugged into the cartridge expansion port. Did you set power solders for the OLED screen, at back of the PCB? Please check if you prepared the microSD card correctly with right files?
My OLED screen is VGA-GND-SCL-SDA. There is 2 sets of VCC. Do you jumper both sets?
Yes, both two VCC jumpers for VCC-GND-SCL-SDA pin order displays
I have GND VDD SCK SDA ... I made a bridge between the GNDs, correct? but I don't see anything on the display
ok solved... it was problem with kernel 1.24... 1.23 works
Hello Martin Damm Laupstad, blockmind's case is not suitable (7mm short). I do not have any information about MrLurch's case. You would better to ask MrLurch himself. Thank you.
I have modified Blockminds case to fit the PCBWAY version of the board. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4895556
Thank you Tad Mcdole.
Thanks a lot for sharing your design :)
hi, does it work? I don't see anyone who printed it
i see now it is only A schematics ...
Hi Mick. Thank you very much. I'll think about the Option B schematic.